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The GMB say the figures makes a strong argument for building more houses, particularly for rent.

Gary Smith, GMB Scotland secretary, said: "These figures show that a massive programme to build more houses, especially houses for rent, by the Local Authorities is absolutely essential in all parts of Scotland and has to get underway without delay.

"We have been talking about this problem for far too long, there can be no excuses for not providing housing to people that they can afford to live in on average wages.

"The decisions of the Thatcher government in the 1980’s to sell council housing stock, and not replace it, and to pay landlords housing benefit instead of providing social housing directly has been a huge and expensive mistake.

"Last year, for example, £24 billion (£1.77bn in Scotland) was spent on housing benefit. If a fraction of that amount had been spent on social housing for rent, the strain on the tax payer would be less and people would have housing they can afford to live in.

"These mistakes need to be corrected without delay, fair and affordable housing is a basic aspiration for all."